New Zealand foreign minister visits Niue

The New Zealand Foreign Minister has visited a number of businesses in Niue which it is hoped will bring a much needed boost to the local economy in the future.

Winston Peters is on his final leg of a Pacific tour.

Koro Vakauta reports.

"Winston Peters spent the morning at Niue primary school - the island's only such school. Mr Peters was welcomed by the just under 200 students before inspecting the premises. The minister then made a stop at the Reef Fishing company before visiting the Vaiea noni plantation. Both ventures are seen as vital to revive the local economy. Reef Fishing recently purchased two longliners but is need of more air freight capacity. The Vaiea noni farm is bottling juice in Auckland and is aiming to break into Europe's market soon. Mr Peters then met the director of tourism, Ida Talagi-Hekesi, who showed him a number of proposed tourist developments. Meanwhile, Mr Peters is scheduled to open Niue's new hospital tomorrow afternoon."